Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

[Winston L.]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

If you know what you are doing that method works. The problem is that there are alot of "spam can" mechanics that are not familiar with that method.

I think it should be an option though.

[O.Taylor]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

I don't think x-ray can be brought to the aircraft like eddy current inspection which can be done on the airplane


doesn't the twin Beech have an x-ray done on them?, seems likle an x-ray tech was at the airport doing the inspection on the local C-45. O.T.

[crispy critter]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Yes,the 18 does have to be X-rayed...it's pretty pricey too.

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

How mandatory is compliance on the Service Bulletin. I know that ADs are mandatory, but are service bulletins just cya for the factory--and optional for airplane owners or are they like the ADs and really have to be complied with? If we have to comply with this SB, we could find ourselves grounded for a while due to the complicated and expesive inspection process.

Frank D
N43684

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Well, as you say AD's are mandatory.

That's because they are part of CFR14 (FARS to us) they become part of the FARS because they are included in part 39 so they are in fact one of the regs and therefore mandatory.

§ 39.7 What is the legal effect of failing to comply with an airworthiness directive?

Anyone who operates a product that does not meet the requirements of an applicable airworthiness directive is in violation of this section.

§ 39.9 What if I operate an aircraft or use a product that does not meet the requirements of an airworthiness directive?

If the requirements of an airworthiness directive have not been met, you violate §39.7 each time you operate the aircraft or use the product.

§ 39.11 What actions do airworthiness directives require?

Airworthiness directives specify inspections you must carry out, conditions and limitations you must comply with, and any actions you must take to resolve an unsafe condition.

§ 39.13 Are airworthiness directives part of the Code of Federal Regulations?

Yes, airworthiness directives are part of the Code of Federal Regulations, but they are not codified in the annual edition. FAA publishes airworthiness directives in full in theFederal Registeras amendments to §39.13.



Service bulletins, instructions manuals and so on end up being mandatory because of this little cutie.

§ 43.13 Performance rules (general).

(a) Each person performing maintenance, alteration, or preventive maintenance on an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance shall use the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness prepared by its manufacturer, or other methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator, except as noted in §43.16. He shall use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices. If special equipment or test apparatus is recommended by the manufacturer involved, he must use that equipment or apparatus or its equivalent acceptable to the Administrator.

So if the the manufacturer includes it in his maintanence manual or intructions for continued airworthiness (whatever the lawyers decide that should mean) then you (or the mechanic) needs to comply when you perform maintenance, alteration, or preventive maintenance.

Sort of funky and I bet this statement will rattle a few cages but basically the mechanic has to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Which is a good thing. The cover letter on AC43.13-1B makes a similar statement.

Dave

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Then that means that we have 30 days to visually inspect the struts as per part one of the SB, and within 90 days of the initial inspection, the big test with the high falootin equipment (if we can find this equipment) has to be done. Then we are good for two years. If this xray equipment is, is not available, then we are grounded.

Am I on the right track here?

Frank D
N43684

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

I think you are correct BUT I also think that there is a legal trick at play here too; 43.13 (a) is applicable to the point in time when you perfom maintenance, alteration, or preventive maintenance so I think legally until you do one of those three things you can ignore it.

But legal tricks don't hold wings on do they.

Also Frank, I did not see x-ray as an acceptable method in the SB, only eddy current and ultra sound.

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

What is eddy current and ultra sound??--and as I understand the SB, the struts need to be removed from the plane to be tested. Is eddy current and ultra sound readily available and what is cost to inspect with this equipment. Also, as I understand the SB, if the sealed units are purchased that in itself negates the need to remove and inspect the struts on specific sealed units only.

Thanks,

Frank D

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Hmm

Four new struts - about $2900

I am looking into buying the test equipment.

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Looks like there will be a lot of grounded T-Crafts. I imagine this will also affect resale value one way or the other. New struts = enhanced marketability.

Frank

[tawadc95]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

I sure do like my Univairs !
They are cheap compared to dying and cheap compared to the accrued costs of testing every two years.

[Guest]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

How wide is the Univair front strut? answer= 3.372"

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

I sure do like my Univairs !
They are cheap compared to dying and cheap compared to the accrued costs of testing every two years.

Reread the SB, Univair struts DO NOT terminate inspections, factory part number is specifically called out

Mike

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

Depending on how tricky the manufacturer is SB's can be mandatory even in the field. Lycoming was good about this in recently changing their overhaul manual to entering the text in the overhaul manual that SB's are mandatory at overhaul. This caught several mechanics off guard and got a slap on the wrist. For Part 145 Repair Stations SB's have always been mandatory. And by the letter of the law, under Part 39 which covers AD's, it is the owner's responsibility to make sure all AD's are complied with, not the mechanics. The mechanic is obligated by Part 43 which is maintenace and airworthiness. Just make sure to read everything thoroughly.

[Carl Ellis]

Re: Taylorcraft Float Plane Crash

How is it that instruction was being given in an aircraft with an experiemental airworthiness certificate?

I thought that was only allowed if the pilot was providing the aircraft, not the instructor, with the exception for getting time in type (such as for RV familiarization).

Am I wrong about this?

- Carl -